Exercise is essential for all levels of the age scale, including those who have seen more of life than most, and a young physical trainer is seeing close-up the benefit of simple movement.

Every other Thursday, Sam Langer, co-owner of GymGuyz in Irvington, N.Y., travels to the Greens at Greenwich, a local assisted-living complex, to lead more than a dozen residents in exercises designed to lift their spirits and their strengthen their bodies.

The exercises might seem simple, but for the participants they can mean a longer, healthier life, according to Suzanne Reuter, supervisor of nursing at the Greens of Greenwich.

"It's more a social thing than medical. We want people to be independent as long as possible. They love it when he's here because he's young and energetic. They're up and out walking around the room," she said, adding that Langer is one of several exercise experts who lead classes at the Greens. "He's very vibrant and knows everyone by name."

Others offer chair zumba, chair yoga and tai chi, Reuter said.

It is important to help participants maintain good blood circulation, Langer said, commenting that he also teaches fall prevention and how to get up after falling.

The residents at the 31-apartment facility are not the only ones who get a good feeling from the sessions, said Langer, who is certified the National Academy of Sports Medicine, and started visiting the facility in April.

"The fact that they still have a sense of humor and can crack a joke is great," said Langer, who started the business with partner James Bonavita in March with a goal of widening their customer base in Fairfield County. "I get a sense of satisfaction because I can tell how much appreciation they have. You can see the smiles on their faces. It's great to see them having fun. I try to make it different from their every-day routines."

Elderly people are generally more active than they were years ago, he said, as evidenced by injuries he sees in people in their 70s that he also sees in people in their 50s.

"We're seeing more sprains and strains in the older population attributable to running and bicycling," Vigneault said. "They want to maintain their youth."

But despite the minor injuries, staying active in later years is crucial to overall health, he said.

"The benefits of staying active as you age are essential. There are mental benefits, as well as physical benefits. You stop moving and then you get old. It's one of the best investments in the future you can make," Vigneault said.

Langer, who also works with individuals in their homes, as well as companies, was a project sports planner for Bristol-based ESPN before deciding with Bonavita to purchase a GymGuyz franchise.